In the ongoing trial of former President Donald Trump, Michael Cohen, Trump’s erstwhile attorney and confidant, emerged as a central figure during testimony on Tuesday, shedding light on the events surrounding the hush money payments to Stormy Daniels.
Testifying in Manhattan’s criminal trial against Trump on charges related to falsifying business records linked to hush money payments, Cohen’s role in the saga came under scrutiny. Joshua Steinglass, a prosecutor with the Manhattan district attorney’s office, pressed Cohen’s former lawyer, Keith Davidson, to reveal the identity of the individual who threatened to sue over a blog post alleging Daniels’ involvement with Trump. Davidson promptly named Cohen as the caller without hesitation.
Cohen’s actions, pivotal to the case, are being closely examined. The prosecution aims to establish Cohen’s credibility, despite portrayals of him as unreliable and self-serving. Witnesses have painted a picture of Cohen as difficult to work with, with Davidson likening him to the easily distracted dog from Disney’s “Up.”
Davidson further elaborated on Cohen’s conduct, describing how Cohen’s actions fueled drama during negotiations, leading to frustrations voiced by Daniels and her manager, Gina Rodriguez. Even Cohen’s banker, Gary Farro, acknowledged Cohen’s challenging nature.
While Cohen’s credibility is challenged by the defense, prosecutors seek to convince the jury of his trustworthiness. Despite past controversies, Cohen’s legal adviser, Lanny Davis, asserted that Cohen has owned up to his misdeeds and is now committed to speaking the truth.
Cohen’s transformation from Trump’s loyal “pit bull” to a vocal critic has been significant. Following legal troubles and a federal probe, Cohen chose to cooperate with authorities, eventually testifying against Trump in various legal proceedings.
The trial’s outcome hinges on Cohen’s testimony and the jury’s assessment of his credibility. As Cohen refrains from public commentary on Trump until after the trial, his testimony remains a critical factor in determining Trump’s fate.